‘Pakistan can beat India in Tests on spinning tracks’ – Wasim Akram after India’s historic home series loss to New Zealand

Pakistan can beat India in Tests on spinning tracks: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram feels that Pakistan stand a genuine chance of defeating India in Test cricket, particularly on spinning tracks. Akram’s remarks come after India’s historic 0-3 home series defeat against New Zealand and Pakistan’s 2-1 victory at home over England.

India, who have had a brilliant record at home, suffered their first series loss on home soil in 12 years, struggling against New Zealand’s spinners. The usually reliable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also failed to deliver their typical match-winning performances, adding to India’s woes.

Akram, while speaking to former England skipper Michael Vaughan during the first ODI between Australia and Pakistan, spoke about Pakistan’s chances over India.

“I would want to see a Test series between India and Pakistan,” said Vaughan on air to which Akram replied: “It will be massive. It will be good for the game, for two cricket-crazy nations.”

While Vaughan further added, “Pakistan can now beat India on the turners”, Akram then said, “Pakistan have a chance to beat India in Tests now on a spinning track. They have been hammered by New Zealand 3-0 at home.”

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Meanwhile, Pakistan have had recent success on spinning tracks, particularly during their series win against England. The decision to prepare turning wickets mid-series proved effective, with Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali adapting to the conditions brilliantly.

In the first ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities were exposed as they were bundled out for 203. Mitchell Starc’s impressive 3/33 and contributions from Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins, put the visitors in backfoot.

But Pakistan fans will be happy about the return of their star batter Babar Azam not only in the squad but with some runs off his bat. The right-hander smashed a 44-ball 37, which included four boundaries.